Broken heart syndrome is really a thing

When entertainer Debbie Reynolds died just a day after her daughter and actress Carrie Fisher succumbed to reported heart failure, it seemed clear to many observers that the 84-year-old was no doubt broken hearted. Turns out there is solid medical research that a person can truly die of a broken heart, which magnifies just how deadly unchecked stress can be.

CBS News’ chief medical correspondent, Dr. Jon LaPook was among the first to raise the issue on CBS This Morning and late in an interview on CBS News, cardiologist Harmony Reynolds called it “a heart attack type syndrome.”

“a heart attack type syndrome”

Affecting far more women than men, Dr. Reynolds conducted a study which also found that the syndrome is caused by “severe emotional or physical stress,” usually triggered by anxiety or grief.

When it comes to anxiety and stress, holistic health experts recommend preventative, mood-stabilizing practices like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation as well as anti-anxiety herbs like lavender and chamomile. It’s some of the best advice for managing emotional devastation.

One silver lining for those who are afflicted by broken heart syndrome, according to experts, it is survivable if the initial episode passes.